In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Ash Kaluarachchi, a passionate advocate for education innovation and the CEO of StartEd. As a producer of EDTECH WEEK and an expert in strategic partnerships, early-stage investment, and the future of work, Ash has been at the forefront of the EdTech revolution. His programs have accelerated over 2,000 companies globally, including multiple unicorns, through partnerships with organizations such as Google, Kaplan, Intel, and leading universities.

In our conversation, Ash shares insights into the significance of EDTECH WEEK and the innovative approaches of StartEd in supporting educational startups. We explore New York’s role as a hub for education innovation and discuss the evolving landscape of funding, including alternative sources crucial for today's founders. Ash emphasizes the importance of community, mental health awareness, and the scientific method in entrepreneurship while reflecting on his experiences and lessons learned throughout his career.

Key Takeaways:

• New York is a central hub for education innovation, bringing together key stakeholders during EDTECH WEEK.
• StartEd provides tailored support for educational startups and advocates for alternative funding sources.
• The landscape of startup funding has changed dramatically, requiring new approaches to building companies.
• Entrepreneurship is increasingly viewed as a science, with mental health awareness and community support playing vital roles in a founder's journey.
• Modern entrepreneurs come from diverse backgrounds, shaping the future of education.

Chapters:

• Introduction to EdTech Week
• The Vision Behind StartEd
• Innovative Approaches to Education
• Navigating Alternative Funding Sources
• The Science of Startups
• Mental Health in Entrepreneurship
• The Role of Community in Learning
• Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #EdTech #education #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #educationinnovation #StartEd #EDTECHWEEK #mentalhealth #communitylearning

In this episode of Tech Scenes Thousand Oaks, we take a ride with Mikey Taylor, a former pro skateboarder turned successful entrepreneur and city council member. Even during his skateboarding career, Mikey was an entrepreneur at heart, leveraging his passion and skills to build authentic connections and strong personal brands. Now, as the Founder and President of Commune Capital, Mikey is pioneering a new way of real estate investing, providing younger generations, including Gen Z, with opportunities to invest in their future. Mikey’s entrepreneurial ventures began with co-founding Saint Archer Brewing Company, which was acquired by MillerCoors in 2015. His experience managing high-growth companies and building teams eventually led him to take on a leadership role in local government as a city council member in Thousand Oaks. In this episode, we explore how Commune Capital is revolutionizing real estate investing by offering younger generations the tools to invest in their future. We also dive into how Mikey leveraged his skateboarding career to connect with audiences and build authentic, lasting brands. He shares his experience managing people at Saint Archer Brewing during a period of high growth, ensuring the right people were in the right seats to drive success. Mikey also explains how Commune is set up traditionally but is breaking new ground by using social media to go directly to investors, attracting the right partners and fueling its growth. Join us for a conversation with Mikey Taylor, where we discuss how he blends his passion for community, entrepreneurship, and innovation to create a lasting impact. Whether you’re interested in real estate, entrepreneurship, or skateboarding, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie #collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #realestate #ceo #founder #skateboarding #MikeyTaylor #SaintArcher #CommuneCapital #entrepreneurship #growthcompany #leadership #mikeytaylor #communecapital

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Shane Bigelow, CEO and Co-Founder of ChampTitles, a company revolutionizing the DMV processes in the United States through digitization. Shane brings over 20 years of experience working on all sides of the investment and entrepreneurial world, including running part of AB Bernstein’s business in the U.S., founding his own companies, and being involved in the sale of public companies.

Founded in 2018, ChampTitles is on a mission to replace outdated, paper-based DMV processes with their digital platform, allowing vehicle title, lien, and registration transactions to be completed quickly and efficiently. In this episode, we explore the pain points within current DMV systems and how ChampTitles aims to eliminate the “time tax” that consumers and businesses face by making the entire process digital. ChampTitles leverages patented technology, utilizing Hyperledger Fabric, to modernize and simplify these processes.

Jeff James Martin and Shane also dive into the importance of alignment within teams and with investors, and how that alignment drives success. The conversation covers the benefits of creating a learning environment in organizations, the balance between remote work and in-office collaboration, and the mindset of treating ‘no' as a stepping stone to ‘yes.’ They also discuss Shane’s thoughts on the pay-for-performance model in government contracting and how ChampTitles plans to expand its solutions beyond the DMV to other government entities and developing nations.

Key Takeaways:

- ChampTitles is focused on digitizing title, lien, and registration capabilities within DMVs to replace paper-based processes.

Paper-driven systems create inefficiencies and delays for consumers and businesses.

- ChampTitles aims to eliminate the "time tax" by making DMV transactions digital.

- The company embraces a pay-for-performance model in government contracts, where vendors are only paid when transactions occur.

- Alignment within teams and with investors is essential for success and growth.

- Remote work offers flexibility, but being together in an office fosters better communication, alignment, and speed.

- A growth mindset that treats ‘no’ as a stepping stone to ‘yes’ is essential for innovation and success.

- Implementing a clear operating system and cadence for communication is vital for venture-backed companies.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Overview of ChampTitles

04:42 - Eliminating the Time Tax

13:31 - The Pay for Performance Model

21:42 - Alignment in Teams and with Investors

28:19 - Finding the Right Investors and Creating a Learning Environment

30:52 - The Benefits of Being Together in an Office

35:19 - Treating 'No' as a Stumbling Block to 'Yes'

38:33 - Creating an Operating System for Venture-Backed Companies

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #investing #venturecapital #startups #SaaS #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #cofounder #jeffjamesmartin #startup #startups #growthcompany #seriesA #seriesB #seriesC #ceo #investing #management #leadership #coaching